Misprocessed tRNA response targets pi RNA clusters

Abstract

Germline PIWI-interacting RNA (piRNA) clusters have a characteristic transcriptional status; although they do not have their own promoters, both genomic strands are transcribed, while splicing and 3´ processing signals are neglected. How this transcription is maintained remains unknown. Molla-Herman et al (2015) discovered that mutations in a tRNA processing factor cause the loss of transcription at some piRNA clusters, leading to sterility in Drosophila melanogaster . This defect in piRNA cluster transcription is restored by mutations in genes required for the DNA damage checkpoint or replication.